Texas Administrative Code
Title 30 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Part 1 - TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Chapter 217 - DESIGN CRITERIA FOR DOMESTIC WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
Subchapter M - SAFETY
Section 217.325 - Railings, Ladders, Walkways, and Stairways

(a) A guard rail with an opening that is designed to provide access must have a removable chain across the opening when the opening is not in use.

(b) An open valve box, pit, tank, or basin with walls that extend less than 4.0 feet above ground must have a railing that extends from the top of the walls to at least 4.0 feet above ground level. The railing must be capable of preventing an individual from falling into the open valve box, pit, tank, or basin.

(c) Equipment and work areas that are more than 4.0 feet above or below ground level must be designed with a permanent stairway for access unless the work area is a manhole or a similar confined space.

(d) A ladder must have flat safety tread rungs and must extend at least 3.5 feet out of a vault.

(e) A walkway above an open tank must have a toe board at least four inches tall that is designed to prevent a person from slipping off the walkway. Owners and engineers should refer to 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910, Subpart D, for additional guidance on walking and working surfaces.

(f) Walkways, steps, landings, and ladder rungs must have a non-slip finish. The vertical rise between adjacent steps on a stairway must not exceed 9.5 inches. Stairways must be designed with no horizontal gap between the tread run of adjacent steps.

(g) An overhead pipe or other overhead obstruction must have at least a 7.0-foot clearance, unless the pipe or obstruction is padded to prevent head injury and has a warning sign.

(h) Basins with vertical walls terminating more than 4.0 feet above or below ground level must be designed with a stairway for access.

(i) Guard rails on walkways shall have adequate clearance space for maintenance operations.

(j) Clarifiers must have grating across the discharge pipe in the launder or stop bars across the launder before the discharge pipe to prevent an individual from entering the discharge pipe from the clarifier.

(k) All guard rails, railings, ladders, walkways, and associated appurtenances must be designed and constructed to ensure the safety of individuals at the wastewater treatment facility.